Drivers in Waterloo received a break on parking Monday as councillors voted to increase the number of overnight parking exemptions per licence plate from 10 to 15.

That means a home with three vehicles now has up to 45 exemptions per year, compared to 30 under the old system. Parking violations under the city’s bylaw are $35 and on-street parking is banned between 2:30 and 6 a.m. without an exemption.

The increase follows a year of public consultation after council requested staff investigate overnight parking options for residents and visitors in Waterloo last June. Engagement included an online survey, public information sessions, advertising on the city website and social media messaging.

Staff explored three options: maintaining the status quo, increasing the number of exemptions to 15, or implementing a pay-as-you-go permit system that would allow residents to pay for additional exemptions in addition to the ten they receive now.

About 60 per cent of respondents had no concerns related to overnight parking, compared to 21 per cent with concerns. The survey also revealed 47 per cent of respondents would be in favour of additional permits, and 38 per cent were opposed.

Approximately 12 per cent of respondents were not even aware they could register their vehicles for overnight exemptions, and Coun. Diane Freeman asked if there would be a bigger push for more communication with residents and visitors about the exemption.

Director of enforcement services Jim Barry admitted the process revealed a significant number of people weren’t aware of the exemption.

“We will be working with communications to build a more comprehensive communications plan all around,” he said.

Vehicles must be registered before 1:30 a.m. on the city’s website or by calling 519-747-8559. You can also register through the city’s PingStreet mobile app. Overnight exemptions become invalid during snow bans.

For more information visit the city’s website, www.waterloo.ca/en/government/overnightparkingregistry.asp.